Full face or 3/4 Helmet

[kepople]

so what do most of you use for a helmet?

I bought a ST3 but I dont think I will like it much.

If touring, which do you prefer... Full face helmets, or 3/4?

[Chupaca]

Done this several times..we use the HJC modular helmets with the scala G9 audio system. In town warm weather ryde with the face open freeway cold weather face down. My wife and I are very happy with this set up. There are other threads on the subject..check them out....good luck..!!

[effgjamis]

I use both, full and 3/4.. on long rides. be it full for rain, cold and strong gusty dusty winds. 3/4 for med warm to hot.
Of course it depends on my carrying capacity, no trailer I then take the full otherwise I take both.

[DoggyDaddy]

I too have gone between open face and modular helmets until recently. I purchased a Nolan N43E Trilogy helmet that has a removable chin bar that locks into place. I am sure it is not quite as strong as an integrated chin bar but it allows me to quickly convert the helmet to open faced "bucket" in a matter of seconds. It also has a built-in retractable sun visor which is a nice feature. It is configured to allow for easy installation of bluetooth headsets (I chose the Sena SM5 over the very pricy Nolan model). It worked so well for me I ordered a matching one for my wife. We both love the versatility and can ride in all weather conditions without worrying about having chosen the wrong helmet for the ride.

[Grandpa Spyder]

I own half, 3/4 and full face. When traveling I use 3/4 when riding local half and in the winter full face. But if you want safety and don't mind sweating go full face. I like 3/4 when traveling with face shield because you never know what kind of weather you are going to be in.

[vtrider]

I like the full face for the protection. When riding in city traffic I just flip the face shield up to stay cooler. I just purchased this new modular helmet from HJC (new model this year), and really like the quality compared to other HJC helmets that I've owned. This helmet is a nice helmet and is lightweight, solid and has decent wind noise protection. I like that because my GS has the shorty sport windshield with no wind protection. I do like the airflow to stay cooler, it's just the wind noise that can be bothersome. If I ever decide to buy an RT, I would like to try the ST3 helmet from BRP as an alternative choice for second helmet. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/h...x-align-helmet

[SPYD1]

Yes buy one that is convertible.

[Bob Denman]

HelmetImpactChart_zpse4dbd104.jpg
I'll stick with the full-face protection; thank you...

[mdale46]

We both have the Nolan N-43 (6 in 1) also, with Scala G-9. We use the 3/4 configuration mostly, but keep the chin guards in the frunk. The helmet works well for us.

[hellridgeryder]

My wife and I bought Nolan N43 Triology helmets with intrgrated J&M Elite headsets. We are very satisfied with that setup. A word of caution on sizing. They seemed really tight and hard to get on at first but broke in after a few road trips and are very comfortable, quiet and stable when riding.

[NancysToy]

In answer to your question....

"How much do you value your chin?"

[Ga Blue Knight]

In the South with extreme heat and humidity it's always a toss up between protection from the road hazards and protection from heat stroke. Having said that I wear a SHOEI RF1100 full face for high speed highway travel (great ventilation) and a 3/4 carbon fiber HD with no face shield but goggles for around town or back roads travel ( lower speed, or local trips). In the winter its the Full Face SHOEI 100% of the time. Everything is a compromise and you have to make a personal choice.

[PrairieSpyder]

+1 for the Nolan N43E Trilogy. I previously used a Scorpion modular. But in the 3/4 configuration it didn't have a face shield (except the sun visor). With the Nolan, I have a full-face (I'll use it in the cold weather), open face, 3/4 with face shield. I also tried out a Shark modular that had the chin bar that would raise to the back of the head and retained the face shield.

Beides the features I liked, the Nolan fits best, too.

[BikerDoc]

I use both, full and 3/4.. on long rides. be it full for rain, cold and strong gusty dusty winds. 3/4 for med warm to hot.Of course it depends on my carrying capacity, no trailer I then take the full otherwise I take both.

I agree with this strategy. It works great!

[Spydr in KS]

I too have gone between open face and modular helmets until recently. I purchased a Nolan N43E Trilogy helmet that has a removable chin bar that locks into place. I am sure it is not quite as strong as an integrated chin bar but it allows me to quickly convert the helmet to open faced "bucket" in a matter of seconds. It also has a built-in retractable sun visor which is a nice feature. It is configured to allow for easy installation of bluetooth headsets (I chose the Sena SM5 over the very pricy Nolan model). It worked so well for me I ordered a matching one for my wife. We both love the versatility and can ride in all weather conditions without worrying about having chosen the wrong helmet for the ride.

+1 just got an N43e and love it

[pro10is]

What's the point of protecting the top of your head if you're not going to protect the bottom?

[PrairieSpyder]

What's the point of protecting the top of your head if you're not going to protect the bottom?

Chins are easier to fix than brains.

[bluestratos]

I use Scorpion 900's as they are convertible from full face to 3/4 face. I wear full face until the weather gets too hot then take the chin bar off and snap on the sun bill. It has a drop down sunvisor to protect my eyes from stones and bugs and even showers since I wear glasses. There are many OPINIONS and just as many know it all's so make your own choice after weighing all of the options.

[Bob Denman]

What's the point of protecting the top of your head if you're not going to protect the bottom?

Not because I'm so pretty ; but because I enjoy chewing my food!

[Jeriatric]

Without getting graphic. You do not have to fall off your bike to sustain an injury. Once witnessed a Wing rider in stop and go traffic fail to stop in time. He was wearing a 3/4 helmet when his face met 'his' windshield. I did what I could for him until paramedics arrived. Folks it's all about choices......and those are best weighed with experience. Not preaching here. It's your head.

[spyder3]

Schuberth C3 modulars here with built in bluetooth system.....I'm too smugly to mess this mug up anymore...wifey is too purdy to risk messing that up. Its been a while since the last helmet thread which always leads to the debate.

[Rcspyder12]

Best of both worlds /check these out

https://www.leatherup.com/l/Hawk-Helmets/3159.html

[Gunny]

I too have gone between open face and modular helmets until recently. I purchased a Nolan N43E Trilogy helmet that has a removable chin bar that locks into place. I am sure it is not quite as strong as an integrated chin bar but it allows me to quickly convert the helmet to open faced "bucket" in a matter of seconds. It also has a built-in retractable sun visor which is a nice feature. It is configured to allow for easy installation of bluetooth headsets (I chose the Sena SM5 over the very pricy Nolan model). It worked so well for me I ordered a matching one for my wife. We both love the versatility and can ride in all weather conditions without worrying about having chosen the wrong helmet for the ride.

I just ordered the same helmet for the wife and I this weekend. She liked the comfort and the removeable chin bar as well. Cant wait to try mine out.

[kepople]

Thanks... Sounds like I should try on a N43 somewhere before finalizing with the chin guard. I like to eat too, but I do see a lot of people on the road who must not like to.
I liked the look of the Bell Mag9 Sena version as well.

Apologies if this thread has been done before. The search box brought up nothing, but I assumed it would a common thread.

[ARtraveler]

From a safety standpoint--the full face is the way to go. Unfortunately, you never know when you are going to need the protection. Stuff happens and we just don't know when.

I have both full face helmets--a pair of Nolan full face 103's, as well as a pair of the 3/4 Nolan N43's. One with the removable chin bar and one without the chin bar. I usually wear the full face when going on rydes that are more than local, but like the N43 on other rydes. Akspyderlady is claustrophobic when it comes to full face--so her helmet of choice is the N43.

I am aware that most accidents happen within a radius of 20 miles or so from home. I am also aware that we make choices for what we are going to do concerning the safety gear we put on each time. I am a believer of ATGATT. All the gear, all the time.

A tough subject and we will see as many opinions as there are posts. This one is my .02.